9-10 Northern All-Stars back in familiar territory

Published 4:55 pm, Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Coach Andy Bayley gives instructions during practice Monday to his 9-10 year old All Star team. Photo by Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Coach Andy Bayley gives instructions during practice Monday to his 9-10 year old All Star team. Photo by Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Photo: Tim Fischer

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Austin Day chases a ground ball during practice Monday for the 9-10 year old All Star team. Photo by Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Austin Day chases a ground ball during practice Monday for the 9-10 year old All Star team. Photo by Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Photo: Tim Fischer

9-10 Northern All-Stars back in familiar territory

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When the Northern 9-10 year old All-Stars step onto Kelly Field in Fort Worth this morning, don't expect the enormity of the moment to get to them.

That's because this group of Midland youths has been on this stage before -- and recently, for that matter.

The Northern All-Stars begin play in the Texas West State Little League Tournament at 10:30 a.m. today against Lorena. For all but three of the 9-10 year olds, this is the second time this year they've played for a state title after winning one as part of a select team earlier this year.

"We already won state on our select team, and it would be really cool to win state on this team as well," said 10-year-old Karter Keling, who pitches, plays first and in the middle infield. "It gives me confidence because if we won one before, then we can win another one."

That experience has been pivotal for Northern on their road to the state tournament. Northern had to win both its district and sectional tournaments for the right to play for a state title. The 9-10 year olds have been fairly impressive during their postseason run, as well, considering they've yet to be defeated in tournament play.

The only team that even has challenged them was Lubbock Southwest, which has proven to be a perennial power in the region. Coach Andy Bayley said much of the team's success is due to chemistry and work ethic.

"These kids have been playing with or against each other for years," Bayley noted. "They all know each other and get along. It seems to really bring them together as a team. There's always someone out on these fields practicing, putting the sweat in."

And while there are several intangibles on the side of the Northern All-Stars, they also understand nothing is a given and the game still needs to be played.

"I told the boys that if they play like they know how to play, we'll win it all," Bayley said. "They definitely have the talent to do it. As long as we play our game the way we know how, we can win it."

At the same time, Bayley wants the players to understand the significance of the situation and take in what is truly a moment that none of them ever will forget.

"We've talked to them about how big this moment is exactly," Bayley said. "We talked about how many kids play little league in Texas and how there's only about 44 of them in their age group still playing. They're basically going to be treated like royalty while in Fort Worth. It's going to be a lot of fun."

But maybe 10-year-old Austin Day has the Northern All-Stars figured out best. And to hear Day, who pitches, plays third and in the outfield for Northern, talk about the team, a state title might simply be what's expected.

"We've done this before, so we have the experience to know what it's like," Day said. "I think we bring a lot of talent. We play together as a team, and I think that's something a lot of other teams don't always have."